Newtrition

Having lived with a dietitian for a few years, I would like to think that I know a thing or two about nutrition. It might only be two things, but that is still not bad going by my reckoning, and it has never stopped me trying to share my two cents at a work lunchtime. I am comfortable with the term glycemic index, and know that each gramme of fat contains a whole 9 calories. I am also somewhat aware of some interaction between calcium and iron, and one preventing the absorption of the other, and that is the only reason why you shouldn't put a steak in your glass of milk. Or maybe it was some other vital nutrients, but you get the idea, I am obviously very well informed.

Despite this blatantly broad and extensive knowledge of the food sciences, I have discovered a few new things about eating whilst on this cycling 'holiday' of ours. The quality of my cycling is directly related to the amount of food that I have eaten. Not being a particularly short person, I find it a struggle in my daily life to eat enough food to prevent me wasting away. Exercising for a number (too many) of hours every day means I have to eat even more. Getting enough energy into the muscles is a continual struggle. 'Carbs', as us cool cyclists like to call them, work best. Unfortunately my favourite breakfast usually involves lots of fried meat, and this doesn't contain many of these precious 'carbs', as was to my error a couple of days ago. For budding long distance cyclists I would recommend eating as many 'carbs' as you possibly can, and I have coined a phrase 'Carbohydrate Loading' for such activities.

A known downside of particular eating habits is excessive wind. Wind was an issue today, but of the head variety (as opposed to bottom). Our book describing the route labelled today's cycling as 'relatively flat'. Relative to Cornwall and Devon it certainly appeared flat, but to compensate we had wind to deal with. At least with a hill, not only do you get to the top, but you get the satisfaction with seeing how far you have climbed up. None of this you get with wind.

Whilst pedalling into the relentlessness of the wind I have made an observation of Somerset. It appears as though every farm we pass produces their own cider, ready to buy, and most of it is award winning too! Disappointingly it doesn't warrant the extra weight, but is added onto the 'to do when doing LE JoG in a car' list. Anyone would think they were famous for their cider round these parts.

We have just spent a night in a B&B with a lovely view of Cheddar reservoir, and we have been given a good tip to avoid unnecessarily going over a hill on the way to Bristol.

Love, Will